That MakmoThis lumply hermispherical stupa is commonly nicknamed That Makmo, which translates as ‘Watermelon Stupa’. Originally constructed in 1503, it was pillaged for hidden treasures during the 1887 destructions and the latest renovation (1932) coated the stupa in drab grey concrete.

Wat Aham
This small wat was the residence of the Sangharat (Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism) until superseded by Wat Mai 200 years ago. Colourful, if unsophisticated, murals of Buddhist history and (Sometimes gruesome) morality tales cover the interior walls but there are no translations nor interpretations to justify the entrance fee.Open daily, Time: 08:00am-05:00pm, Admission: 20,000 KipTel: +856-71-253364.

Wat Chomphet
Located across the Mekong river to the north of Ban Xieng Mene, Wat Chomphet is built on the top of a hill, and offers stunning views of Luang Prabang town and the river. The temple was built in 1888, and although currently undergoing renovation, the dragon and bird designs on the ceiling still retain their mystical power.Open daily, Time: 08:00am-05:00pm

Wat ChoumkhongThe garden around the little Wat Choumkhong is particularly attractive when its poinsettia trees blush red. Built in 1843, the monastery takes its name from a Buddha statue that was originally cast from amelted-down gong.

Wat Had Siaw
Around 20 minutes’ walk further east is the operational, if rather decrepit, little Wat Had Siaw-take the unpromising right fork about halfway along just after the main path turns inland. You’ll pass a lonely hut and cross a one-plank stream-bridge before arriving. Beyond Wat Had Siaw a path climbs a wooded hill that’s buzzing with birdsong and is topped with a new gilt Buddha sat on a seven-headed snake (15 minutes’ walk)

Wat Luang Khoun
Wat luang khoun was built in the 18th century. At first, it was always regarded as a place for meditation rather than a place for worship, but during King Anourout Manthatourath era in the 19th century, it was established as the temple for meditation and continued to be one for monks. All the Kings in the past, such as King Sisavangvong and King Sisangvattana became monks in this temple before they were crowned.Time: 08:00am-05:00pm, Admission: 10,000 Kip

Wat Mai Souvannaphummaham
Built in 1796, Wat mai (New Monastery) was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourath. Notice the 4-tiered roof when visiting the temple, as well as the scenes from daily life and the lend of Vessantara on the bas-relief walls.

Wat Manorom
Winding lanes to the west lead to Wat Manorom, set amid frangipani trees just outside what were once the city walls (now invisible). This is possibltyy the oldest temple site in Luang Prabang and the Sim contains a sitting 6 meters-tall bronze Buddha originally cast in 1372. During the 1887 devastation the statue was hacked apart but surviving elements were reconstituted in 1919, and in 1971 the missing limbs were replaced with concrete falsies coverd in gold leaf.

Wat Pa Phai
Over the gilded and carved wooden façade, Wat Pa Phai has a classic Tai-Lao fresco depicting everyday scenes of late 19th century Lao life.

Wat Pakkhan
Dated 1737 but rebuilt a century ago, Wat Pakkhan has a simple, appealingly archaic look with angled support struts holding up the lower of its two superposed roofs. Across the road, the ochre colonial-era villag that now forms Unesco offices was once the city’s customs office.

Wat Pha Mahathat
Wat Pha Mahathat is named for a venerable Lanna-style stupa erected in 1548. The 1910 Sim in front has carved wooden windows and portico, rosette-gilded pillars and exterior reliefs retelling tales of the Buddha’s past lives.

Wat Phabath
The modern Vietnamese-Lao temple of Wat Phabath is fronted by a distinctive if kitschy array of spires. Behind is a shady Mekong-front terrace from which steps lead down to another gigantic holy footprint hidden beneath a turquoise shelter.Open daily, Time: 08:00am-05:00pm, Admission: 10,000 Kip

Wat Sensoukaram
The temple’s name is said to come from a donation of 100,000 Kip which was used to construct the temple in 1781. (The bird of the Buddh), Wat Sensoukaram also houses two longboats which are used in the annual Boat Racing Festival.

Wat Souvannakhili
The most prominent building of Wat Souvannakhili looks more like a colonial mansion than a monastery, but the small Sim is a classic of now-rare Xieng Khouang Style.

Wat That Luang
Located behind the old stadium on the way to Kuang Si waterfall. Wat That Luang was built on a knoll in 1818 by King Manthatourath. Before 1975, Wat That Luang was used to hold funeral rites and cremate the country‘s highest dignitaries. Traditionally the cremation site for Lao royalty, legend has it that Wat That Luang.....

Wat Visounnarath
The most ancient temple of Luang Prabang. It was originally erected in 1515 and was rebuilt in 1898. For some time it housed the Phabang Buddhas until the onset of invasions which included the pirate “black flag” invasion. Its windows, with the wooden railings, are inspired from the Wat Phou temple. Inside you can admire.....

Wat Xieng Man
Wat Xieng Man is the oldest and best-known temple in the Comphet district. It was built in the 16th century before the reign King Saysetthatirath, where as the Putthasimma was built in the 18th century by the King Anourout Manthatourath and the King Chantharath. The decorative temple door was the work of collaboration between Luang Prabang and Myanmar artisans.Time: 08:00am-05:00pm, Admission: 10,000 Kip

Wat Xieng Mouane
This large monastery, whose sim dates back to 1879, runs a training centre which teaches young monks woodcarving, painting, Buddha-casting and other skills necessary to maintain Luang Prabang temples. Such activities came to a virtual halt after the 1975 revolution and have a fair amount of ground to recover, judging from the unrefined examples sold in their little showroom.Time: 08:30am-10:30am, 01:30pm-04:00pm

Wat Xieng Thong
Built during the 16th Century by King Saysetthathirath, Wat Xieng Thong temple is one of the most interesting examples of Buddhist art and architecture in Luang Prabang and arguably one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former king is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds.....